Have grown a little albergue weary and it's grinding me down a little, suggestions welcomed for nice albergues from Astoria onwards, small rooms, welcoming hospiteleros, quirky things, no people warehouses! Thank you
I just came back after doing the stretch from Leon to Santiago for the 3rd time- 2014, 2017 and 2018. Huge increase in numbers of private albergues (and quality improvement) since 2014. I stayed in many of the recommended albergues in this Forum's Pdf of "favorite albergue list". I could recommend many but at the top of the list: El Serbal y La Luna in Pieros.
For me, this albergue embodies the spirit of the Camino I carry in my soul. Extremely welcoming with hospitaleros and the owner who went way above and beyond to make you feel at home, vegetarian dinner, upstairs meditation-type room overlooking the mountain sunsets, outdoor terrace looking towards the sunrise,
fireplace near dining room...and interestingly, no WiFi which promoted conversation! The only drawback could be only one full bathroom each for male and female. I booked ahead from my previous albergue in Molinesca, another great one, Albergue de Compostela. However we were only 10 people which is the maximum. It was just great and suited me wonderfully. Hope this is helpful!